I went to one of those schools where learning to box was considered "character forming". Getting a beating from someone who was 2 years older than you, but on the small side for his age was also considered "formative". Fortunately that never happened to me, and boxing was removed from the curriculum of all state schools anyway when I was in my third year at high school.
I do remember that the "early training" consisted of loads of leg strengthening/speed work, mainly using a skipping rope and doing squat thrusts. (I hated squat thrusts).
I'd take a bet on the skipping rope. (Once the formalities that Walt talks about are completed).
